Managing Ulcerative Colitis & Crohns

Q. I have Ulcerative Colitis and when it acts up, it is almost unbearable. My doctor does not want me to be on the steroid medication for a long period of time, so I am wondering if there are some natural equivalents that are less hard on the body?

A. What is Ulcerative Colitis? Both Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease are termed inflammatory bowel dieases (IBD). In both cases, although different parts of the bowel may be affected, the intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and can develop sores (ulcers) and bleed in some cases. Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but can often be debilitating and have a huge impact on an individual's day to day activity. It also causes poor absorption and ultimately nutritional deficiencies due to this impaired intestinal mucosa.

Crohn's disease can occur anywhere in the intestine, although most often it is confined to the small intestine, and can penetrate deep in through layers of tissue in the affected areas. UC, on the other hand, usually affects the innermost lining of only the large intestine and the rectum. It is not uncommon for there to be periods of remission, in both cases, in which symptoms are significantly diminished or gone altogether. However, stress (emotional or stress to the immune system), as well as poor dietary or lifestyle habits, can cause flare-ups just as quickly.

The Immune Connection
It is important to understand the underlying pathology in the case of both UC and Crohn's, as it holds the true key to treatment. Both these conditions are both very much immune regulated, as inflammation is an immune response. Therefore treatment cannot rely solely on anti-inflammatory medication (as this is more or less a symptom) but must also focus on immune regulation – supporting the immune system in it's fight to balance out its reaction before it does more harm than good. Food allergies commonly play a role in the development of or symptomology of these conditions. An unknown food allergy can create an inflammatory response, which can then spark an overactive reaction and lead to UC or Crohn's.

Alternatively, Crohn's/UC are initially doing their damage and since there is already immune cells in the area trying to 'heal the damage', what would once be an innocent glass of milk, causes a huge immune reaction, with the body fighting the sugars as if they were a bacteria, virus of fungi. Either way, individuals may notice an exacerbation of symptoms with certain foods and should do their very best to avoid these foods until the inflammation has cleared. At this point they may find they can introduce the foods again with minimal to no problems, OR they may need to avoid these foods altogether if the allergy/sensitivity continues. Common allergens in these cases are wheat, corn, dairy products and carrageenan-containing foods (a stabilizer found in most processed foods.).

Treatment and Prevention
When in remission, a high fibre diet is often one of the best ways to prevent flare-up. That being said, during a flare-up, high fibre (especially insoluble) can actually make symptoms worse. Some healthcare professionals suggest juicing during flare-up ('the active phase') and using supplements such as chlorella, thanks to the healing properties of chlorophyll. Wheat grass has also been effectively used to relieve symptoms. It is nutrient dense and also contains chlorophyll. A juice diet provides easy to absorb nutrients, alleviating unnecessary stress for the intestine. It is suggested that animal proteins, with the exception of fish and meat broths, be avoided until symptoms subside, as well as most grains and beans - simply too hard to digest at that time.

Robert's formula is combination product containing a number of antibacterial, immune regulating, anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing herbs. It can be used during active and remission phases to both treat and prevent future flare-up. Other anti-inflammatories such as curcumin, boswelia, quercetin and fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) can also be extremely effective in calming inflammation and relieving symptoms and do not carry with them the same side effects as commonly used prescription medications like prednisone. In terms of immune regulation, plant sterols have a number of health benefits, including the ability to regulate the immune response (and calm an over active system). A high quality probiotic can also help to repopulate the gut flora, balance the immune system and help to regulate bowel movements.

Some healthcare practitioners believe that a bacteria or parasite present in the intestine may be exacerbating symptoms or even at the root of the issue. A complete stool analysis should be conducted to rule this possibility in/out. If you are experiencing bloody diarrhea, you may want to have your iron levels checked, as well. Blood loss can lead to anemia and eating iron rich foods and herbs or supplementing with iron may help to improve energy levels and restore deficiency. B12 is absorbed by the distal ileum. In cases where this area is affected, having B12 levels checked, and if necessary, supplementing via intramuscular injection may be a beneficial treatment option.

Don't forget RELAXATION!!!
Meditation, yoga, and regular cardiovascular exercise are all so vitally important to immune health and regulating stress. Try to make these practices a part of your everyday routine. The benefits will keep you going back.

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